Thursday, April 21, 2011

A lot has changed in my life since I was dumped by my previous owners in August of 2009.

For starters, I grew up. When my new Mom found me I was a scrawny 26 pound puppy of unknown lineage. I have developed into a burly 75 pound bruiser and, thanks to a DNA test, know that I am part Rhodesian Ridgeback and part Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Mom and Dad were a bit surprised by my growth but have handled my sizable addition to the family nicely. I outgrew my hand-me down collar and now have my very own extra large collar complete with tags.

My Mom followed through on her threat and had my “Romeo parts” removed. I can’t say I was happy with this development but I have adjusted. I am pleased to say my bark is still quite deep and scary. She also had me implanted with a microchip. If I ever get lost the microchip will help people get me home safely.

I am still very afraid of riding inside of a car. I can’t help it; my legs quiver and my stomach heaves. I believe I am suffering from PTSD from being dumped. Mom and Dad have taught me how to ride in the back of the truck with my sister Bella. I LOVE to feel the wind in my face and let my ears fly!!

I suffer from anxiety if left alone for very long. I get nervous and start chewing and digging. Lots of drip line and sprinkler parts have fallen victim to my anxiety attacks. Mom and Dad think this is another symptom of my PTSD. I also have a big problem with loud noises. Death to all vacuums, chainsaws, lawn mowers, weed eaters, blowers, and tractors. Seriously, how can humans stand to be around this racket?
I have become a very accomplished ball player and swimmer. I can spend hours chasing the ball and swimming in the pool. But my all-time favorite activity is snuggling on the couch with Mom and Dad. They tell me I snore like a sailor and fart like crazy but I think those qualities simply add to my overall charm.
Last September Mom brought home 2 little girl kitties who had been abandoned at a house nearby. Bella and I discussed this situation and agreed that neither one of us was very happy. The girls were kept in the laundry room the first few days but then Mom and Dad let them have the run of the house. They were given names, Blanca and Peezer. Well, they just took over like they OWNED the place. Lying on My couch, drinking out of MY water bowl, sleeping on MY bed, snuggling with MY Mom. The nerve of these cats!! But, the girls turned out to be pretty cool. They love to lick my face and ears and the fluffy one makes a great pillow. Like the saying goes, “If you can’t beat em, join em.”
All in all, I know I am one lucky mutt with more blessings than I can count on all four paws. I’ve mentioned this to Blanca and Peezer and they feel the same. The only way I can repay Mom and Dad is to show them every minute of every day how much I love them and to guard them with my life against all evil. I hope that, despite our happy ending, people who are having trouble keeping their pets will consider shelters or foster homes instead of abandonment. I mean, we could have been hit by a car or eaten by a coyote before our new Mom found us. We are the lucky ones. Lots of animals who are abandoned don’t get so lucky. Please, please, please, don’t ever abandon your animals.

Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing." ~Mother Teresa
Today, focus on smiling sincerely and intentionally as you greet all the various people you come in contact with. It is clinically proven that when we smile, there are physiological benefits for us, it focuses us on positivity and actually creates the perception of being successful. Plus, smiling is contagious so when you smile you pass on those benefits to others! So simple, and yet all too rare. Make a difference today for you and those around you: smile!

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

"Courage is not the absence of fear, but the perception that there is much more at stake." ~Robert Morrisette
Often you know exactly what must be done to move forward on something important in your business or personal life. And you don't act due to fears of potential consequences. You wish for the courage you see in others who seem to act fearlessly while you stand still. How do they do it? The reality is they likely share the same fears as you. The difference? Their courage lies in their ability to understand what is at stake and move despite their fears. Often the first act of courage is simply to ask more questions, to understand more fully the context, and be able to move due to a better perception of reality. Then, if it is truly important you will act. Take a moment to reflect on something you have not done though you know you must. Start asking the questions to gain the context necessary to move. And then move!